The scene quickly descended into chaos, with Shangguan Yi's companions joining the fray.
Xu Linghe: "Qingyi, stay behind me. I'll handle this!"
Feng Qingyi: "No need, I can manage too."
Zhao Yiqing anxiously tried to mediate from the sidelines, "Miss Feng, Miss Xu, please stop fighting!"
Xu Linghe: "Young Master Zhao, just stay there to avoid getting accidentally hurt."
It was Feng Qingyi's first time witnessing Xu Linghe's fighting skills. Her movements were graceful and fluid, taking down several of Shangguan Yi's companions with just a few punches and kicks. There was no need for Feng Qingyi to step in at all.
Shangguan Yi exclaimed: "Do you know where you are?"
Feng Qingyi: "Shangguan Yi, you'd be better off keeping that mouth of yours shut. You're always the first to provoke us. Do you think we're easy targets?"
The commotion on Feng Qingyi's side attracted the attention of passersby.
"Isn't that Young Master Shangguan?"
"And beside him, that looks like Miss Xu Linghe from the Xu family."
"Those two have never gotten along. Though Young Master Shangguan looks strong, he doesn't seem to be a match for Miss Xu."
"Miss Xu trained under General Li. Her martial arts skills are exceptional. Young Master Shangguan has never won against her."
"I don't think I've seen that young lady next to Miss Xu before."
"I believe I saw her at the palace banquet. She seems to have a close relationship with General Qin."
"..."
As Xu Linghe pinned Shangguan Yi to the ground, onlookers began to intervene.
"We're all scholars here today. Let's use our words instead of our fists. We've all come for today's poetry gathering. Let's talk this through."
"Whatever the issue is, it can be resolved through discussion. Young Master Shangguan, there's no need to quarrel with these two young ladies."
Feng Qingyi looked at the crowd of spectators, then at Shangguan Yi on the ground.
She tugged at Xu Linghe's sleeve, "Linghe, let's stop and leave."
Xu Linghe turned to see a crowd staring at her. She gave Shangguan Yi one last kick, "I'll let you off this time, but if there's a next time, I'll make sure you lose an arm or a leg."
Feng Qingyi pulled Xu Linghe through the crowd, with Zhao Yiqing following behind.
Xu Linghe: "Was I too brutal just now?"
"Not at all, I think you were absolutely amazing!" Feng Qingyi praised.
Xu Linghe smiled, "That's good. It's just that this wasn't the most appropriate setting. If it were somewhere else, I definitely wouldn't have let him off so easily."
"There were also quite a few onlookers today. Some of them probably know me, and if word gets out to my parents, they'll scold me again."
This wasn't a small matter. A public brawl like this was bound to become gossip. While she didn't care much about her own reputation, she knew her parents would. However, she didn't regret beating up Shangguan Yi.
Feng Qingyi said, "This incident started because of me. Why don't I go with you to explain to your parents?"
Xu Linghe shook her head, "No need. He wasn't just insulting you today, he insulted me too. I've always had a short temper, and he came looking for trouble. A beating isn't uncalled for."
"But I don't think this alone will be enough. We need to find a way to teach him a lasting lesson so he stops causing trouble all the time. It's so annoying."
Zhao Yiqing caught up and looked at the two ladies, "I hope neither of you ladies are hurt."
Xu Linghe: "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Zhao. We're both fine. Sorry you had to witness that."
Zhao Yiqing: "In the future, if you encounter such situations again, please be more cautious..."
Xu Linghe nodded, "Thank you for the advice, Young Master Zhao. I understand. Although this wasn't the most appropriate place, I don't regret hitting him."
"He not only insulted Qingyi and me, but also slandered you and Qingyi, claiming you two had an affair. That damages both your reputations."
"Let's not speak of this anymore. Shall we go to the Poetry Academy together?" Feng Qingyi suggested.
The Poetry Academy was notably brighter and more spacious compared to the other academies. It was also more crowded, with some completed poems already on display.
Xu Linghe said, "Qingyi, why don't you give it a try?"
Feng Qingyi shook her head. She could recite poetry, but writing it was beyond her abilities.
"I really can't write poetry. Do you think I'm capable of everything?"
Xu Linghe replied, "You just look so talented, I thought poetry writing would be easy for you too."
Feng Qingyi: "I know a bit about the four arts - zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting - but when it comes to poetry and prose, I'm truly helpless. Let's just appreciate what others have written."
"Young Master Zhao, which of these poems do you think could win first place?" Xu Linghe asked curiously.
Zhao Yiqing looked at the displayed works, "These works are merely adequate. To win first place, we'll have to see the later submissions."
Xu Linghe: "Why don't you give it a try, Young Master Zhao?"
Zhao Yiqing shook his head, "I don't have much talent for poetry, so I'd rather not embarrass myself. Not all the works have been displayed yet. Let's come back this afternoon to see more."
Xu Linghe: "Alright, then let's go to the Zither Academy. I just heard some music coming from there."
Zhao Yiqing nodded, "Very well, let's go."
The Zither Academy was located in the farthest corner, filled predominantly with elegantly dressed women.
Xu Linghe tugged at Feng Qingyi, "Look, isn't that Shen Lanyan?"
"I think so," Feng Qingyi looked in the direction she pointed.
Xu Linghe: "It looks like she's about to play the zither. You can't fall behind. After she finishes, you should go up too."
"Why should I go up?" Feng Qingyi asked, puzzled.
Xu Linghe: "She has her sights set on General Qin. She's been going to the General's Mansion every day lately to curry favor with Princess Xuan He. You need to be aware of this threat. Go up there and show your skills."
Feng Qingyi shook her head in refusal, "There's no need. If she likes Qin Yuchuan, that's her business. It has nothing to do with me. I don't need to lower myself to compete with her."
Xu Linghe thought for a moment, "You're right. As long as you and General Qin are on good terms, she can only dream. Let's just stay here and listen. I wonder how well she plays?"
Feng Qingyi nodded, "Mm."
The zither competition was more flexible compared to the other events. One person would play while the rest would vote. The player with the most votes would win. Shen Lanyan gently stroked the strings, and melodious music flowed from her fingertips.
Feng Qingyi had to admit she admired Shen Lanyan's zither skills.
As the piece ended, thunderous applause erupted, and everyone began casting their votes for Shen Lanyan.
Xu Linghe looked at the red ribbon in her hand, hesitating whether to vote or not. "Qingyi, are you going to vote?"
"Let's listen to a few more performances," Feng Qingyi replied.
Shen Lanyan noticed Feng Qingyi's direction.
